Chief financial officer of Newark Public Schools to step down

Star-Ledger file photoNewark Superintendent Cami Anderson, pictured here, said Photo Anagnostopoulos oversaw changes to the way Newark counts its students and distributes its state aid to schools.

NEWARK — One year after becoming Newark Public Schools' top finance officer and budget analyst, Photo Anagnostopoulos said today she has decided to step down.

Anagnostopoulos began her work in Newark as a pro bono consultant, but quickly accepted a full time position as the district's chief financial officer. She and officials from the district both said her departure comes "on good terms."

"Joining Cami in her inaugural year as Superintendent of Newark Public Schools has been a tremendous opportunity," Anagnostopoulos said. "I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together to put the district on the right path for success."

Newark Superintendent Cami Anderson said Anagnostopoulos oversaw changes to the way Newark counts its students and distributes its state aid to schools. She also helped create an online system called grad-tracker, which gives students real-time information about what credits they need to earn high school diplomas.

Anderson, Anagnostopoulos and acting Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf all worked together at the New York City Department of Education under Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Anderson said she is "deeply grateful" for Anagnostopoulos' work in Newark.

"She has spearheaded some of our most mission-critical work and helped to lay the foundation for continued success with systems-wide reform," Anderson said. It remains unclear if Anderson will promote another district staff person to replace Anagnostopoulos or hire externally.

Before serving as chief operating officer in the New York City Department of Education, Anagnostopoulos developed technology-based programming for textbook publisher McGraw-Hill and helped overhaul the SAT as a senior vice president at the College Board.